Fritz Porter is one of Charleston's best places to shop. We are an interior design showroom open to both the public and to the trades. We feature unique home furnishings, fabrics, lighting fixtures, antiques, vintage finds, fine art and new furniture.

Part of what makes a holiday special is the tradition that surrounds it. Regardless of what you are celebrating, the most evocative memories likely come from a holiday season--decorating a tree, making egg nog, lighting the menorah, traveling to see friends and family, helping others, or even just watching a favorite holiday movie.

I have taken many of those traditions and adapted them to my own children. Each of our boys will (I hope) take these memories and and give them their own interpretation, because making the traditions continue to evolve is the best way to honor them.

Ashley Hall Christmas Play, 1988

I went to Ashley Hall, an all girls high school in Charleston, where one of our favorite traditions was the annual Christmas Play. The Angel Gabriel was, of course, the most coveted role, however the closest I ever got was playing one of the Three Kings (see above, left.) Regardless, it is a wonderful memory and I loved being a part of it. I take the boys to see it every year.

This is such a heartbreaking, yet beautiful, story--I love to read it every Christmas to remind us what the season is really about...

My love for design began with a dollhouse from Santa, c 1976

One of my first memories, was when I was about 4 years old and I rounded the corner of our living room on Christmas morning. I stopped dead in my tracks at the sight of the most incredible three story Victorian dollhouse complete with rooms full of furniture, wallpaper on the walls, tiny little chandeliers on the ceilings and even a porch swing. I was over the moon. And from that day forward, I have had a love of design, furniture, and re-arranging things "just so".

2014 Christmas Card photo, Take #134

The always humorous attempt at the Christmas card photo....this was our "Christmas Jammies" version....clearly the teenager was not happy....

Uncle Bunt's Homemade Eggnog

We throw a big Christmas Eve party every year--a tradition that began with a playgroup my mother was part of when I was a baby. My husband and I took over when we had children and it has grown every year. The two constants about the party are that Santa makes a pitstop on his busy night for a visit, and the homemade eggnog from a top secret family recipe, is always the "best batch ever" (warning: do not attempt to operate machinery or assemble children's toys after consuming more than one cup)

My husband is in charge of Christmas breakfast each year- and he never disappoints. These are his famous reindeer pancakes--his creativity is somewhat awe-inspiring, especially given the aforementioned eggnog from the night before....

Miracle on 34th Street...the original

One of my favorite movies ever....Miracle on 34th Street. I cry every time....the original is wonderful, but this is one of the few times that I enjoyed the remake with Dylan McDermott and Mara Wilson equally as much. It is just such a heartwarming story.

I hope you and yours have a wonderful Holiday Season---and if you need any antique bejeweled hair combs or pocket watches, I know a place that has some lovely little finds for you to wrap up. Hint Hint....